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Dental Implants Custom Abutments: What You Need to Know

Dental implant therapy has continued to expand, and the technology used to place implants continues to grow and evolve over time. Dental implants have become one of the most popular treatment options for patients to replace their missing teeth and dentists, such as Dr. Kim, have taken considerable measures to make sure that the clinical outcome is perfect. If you are looking for a dentist nearby Torrance, now is the time to call our office and schedule a consultation!

When it comes time to place dental implants, it is important that the dentist you work with has experience and familiarity with the process, so that the procedure is approached with confidence. Technology has made it possible for dentists to use some of the most updated and state of the art tools to enhance implant therapy. Each one of these advancements leads to a better experience for the patient and better efficiency for the dentist, so more patients can be treated in a timely manner.

Dr. Kim wants to point out that many patients are confused about whether or not their dental implants will need to receive a custom abutment or not. Some patients are told they need them and others are told they do not. So, which answer is right?

Picture: Shutterstock

Custom abutments are an advancement that have helped change the way that patients receive dental implants. There are several advantages to them but the most important one is that they are able to offer soft tissue management throughout the healing and final restoration phases.

Most implants are made up of three pieces which include the implant that is placed in your jaw bone, the abutment that holds the crown, and the crown that is attached to the abutment. Dr. Kim emphasizes that custom abutments are not always needed, and stock abutments can be used in their place for many patients; however, it is often more beneficial to use custom abutments.

One of the main reasons why a patient may need a custom abutment is because the dental implants was not placed correctly in the first place. Typically, when an implant is placed at an angle, shifts during healing, or is just not correctly implanted, then a custom abutment is needed to make up for the difference and correct the position. A custom abutment can make a crooked or incorrectly angled implant straight again.

Dr. Kim wants to point out that a well-placed implant cannot be beat. Today’s technological advancements have allowed for 3D crown fabrication and in these cases, custom abutments may be required to provide a better fit and feel for the patient. When an implant is properly placed, a pre-fabricated abutment is able to be used.

While keeping in mind that custom abutments are not always needed, there are some cases where Dr. Kim may recommend them:

Implant is very deep

The space between the upper and lower teeth are small and the implant needs to be held in place with a screw instead of the traditional dental cement

Thick or thin gums

Overdentures that have a bar in place to hold them in

When the upper front tooth has thin gums and the titanium would otherwise show

Scalloped gums

Multiple or full mouth bridged dental implants are used

Custom abutments are a wonderful option for patients who want a better or tailored fit and do not mind the price or for patients who have had their dental implants placed incorrectly. Often times, the patient’s bone condition limits ideal placement of dental implants and thus requires the use of custom abutments. Custom abutments allow patients to receive the same benefits of dental implants and can provide a beautiful smile. After all, custom abutments are made to minimize the load on the implants and patients can experience the longevity of using dental implants.

Dr. Kim relies on both stock and custom abutments. If you would like to learn more about stock and custom abutments and which one is right for you, do not hesitate to call our Torrance, CA office. Dr. Kim offers free dental implant consultations and would love to talk to you about how to achieve your perfect smile.